le pre-Noël en Bourgogne

 

After a wonderful week of festive cheer: spending time with family, opening presents and overindulging in cheese and wine here in Burgundy, we head back to Edinburgh tomorrow, to get ready for Christmas...

Paris, jour et nuit

We arrived in France a few days ago for what has now become our annual pre-Christmas Christmas. Before heading south to Burgundy, we spent 24 hours or so in a pretty damp, Paris. Soggy, but beautiful as ever and we enjoyed the sights and sounds of a city in full festive swing.

Dick's

All images via Uli Schade

Towards the end of last week, I was invited to the opening of a new store in the Stockbridge area of Edinburgh. The people behind Dick's clothing, accessories and homewares, are two of the most decent and interesting new acquantainces I have made in a long while. Andrew is originally from the area and has set up shop with his photographer wife, Uli. Fresh faced and fresh up from London, they have travelled up the road full of hope and new ideas. Here is a refreshing take on style in the Scottish capital, looking like nothing else on offer up here right now. The place is a labour of love. Everything from the clean and simple design aesthetic of the interior, to the carefully selected products, are works of art. We got on immediately, sharing an appreciation of well-crafted, quality products. What caught my eye in particular, was the number of made in France beauties represented alongside wares from across the world. These include such classics as Duralex glasses and Breton shirts (theirs are by Orcival, suppliers to the French navy), that have been previously championed through pas mal. There are also lovely notebooks made in Paris by La Compagnie du Kraft, 'The most unproductive makers of notebooks in the western world!' (so say the manufacturers about themselves); Opinel knives, since 1890 manufactured in Saint Jean de Maurienne in the Savoie region; and great Vetra, workman jackets. I hear there is snow forecast in Edinburgh tomorrow, so thank goodness they also stock a fine selection of unisex woollen goods (not French, but warm and quite brilliant). Let us get behind these guys and give them our full support. Until their website goes live, go like them here. Come on Dick's and do Edinburgh proud; this city needs you.

3 ans

  

 

 

Today we had a bit of an old school-style birthday celebration, for a modern day little girl. A handmade doll's house by mamy Odette (my mum), complete with bone-fide 1970s Playmobil that had been stored in the attic for years and have come out in perfect nick; a cake modelled on a St Michael 1980s classic; and pass the parcel played to a soundtrack of La Danse des Canards (The Birdie Song). Joyeux Anniversaire to our beautiful daughter, Ellie Rose.

Changement de décor

Image via ifeecosse.org.uk

I was sent an invite recently to the launch of a new photography exhibition, Changement de décor, in Edinburgh. A Scots photographer taking shots during the 2012 festivals at the Institut français d’Ecosse, you say? I decided to check him out before heading along. Albie Clark is a most talented young man, with it appears not only a sense of humour, but a penchant for lines. We did not get the chance to chitchat, but glad I at least managed a nod of congratulations in his direction, because frankly, he deserves it. I was delighted to see a great turnout on the night, not only for Albie, but for the venue, too. The Scottish Government's Cab Sec for Culture, Fiona Hyslop, did a nice little speech on the merit of Franco-Scottish relations and the foreword to the rather lovely catalogue (available from the Institute and priced at £10), that accompanies the show. The photo above in no way does the exhibition justice, so you will just have to take my word for it and head along to see his work yourself. My two favourites are not shown on this post either - ones showing a great study of lines and positioning of objects. Because those who know me well, know also how much of an obsession I have with all things alignment... All of the above perfect pas mal fodder. The show runs from 15 November 2012 - 19 January 2013 and is free to get in.

Happy Halloween

Bon Anniversaire, FFF!

 

 

 

 

 

Lovers of French cinema who plan to be anywhere near Edinburgh, Glasgow or London (plus check the programme for many more UK venues) in the next wee while, the French Film Festival UK is almost here. Celebrating its 20th birthday this winter, 2012 looks to be a vintage year. As usual, it is a glorious mixed bag and there's lots and lots to choose from. The festival runs 8 November - 2 December this year.

 

Alban Le Henry

images via albanlehenry.com 

My French design interest of the moment: Alban Le Henry. Having learnt alongside other favourites of mine, les frères Bouroullec, he has certainly been in good company.

le sirop de Monin

For no reason really.

I am however drinking this in October, in my kitchen, in Edinburgh. And it is getting cold here. I should really be enjoying this as a diabolo citron on a terrasse somewhere warm (perhaps the Languedoc-Roussillon). It is also a made in France classic.

my life in white

images via bodieandfou.blogspot.co.uk

Every week my dad still buys the Scotsman newspaper weekdays and Scotland on Sunday, and when out of the country follows both, online. A BBC online reader during the week, I supplement this with a hardcopy paper fix on a Saturday thanks to The Guardian, that tends to last me all week. Known hoarders, my parents tend to hang on to all sorts of things and I like to leaf through copies of dad's Scottish weekend magazines when paying them a visit. I recently came across a lovely feature in the Scotland on Sunday At Home magazine about online interiors store, Bodie and Fou. The website and blog offer not only a steady source of inspiration, but is so warm and welcoming in style I felt I had found my kindred spirits. This French family-run business is headed up by sister-team Karine and Elodie, both mothers to young daughters and lovers of all white interiors.

Back in Edinburgh, on my suggestion the 1930s property we bought here a couple of years ago was to be decorated entirely in white (walls and floors alike). We both saw much potential in the darkly painted and carpeted flat when we went to visit and could see past the dreary dated furniture to the huge and many windows looking out to a magificent panoramic view of the city. Painting walls and floorboards white himself, within a few weeks of moving in, my husband transformed the place to be the light, airy and relaxing home it is today. The rooms in our flat that have not yet received the magical snowy white touch are looking not too bad, but are ones I hope to work on soon. I can see the Bodie and Fou family team becoming a regular source of inspiration for our home, the work in progress. À suivre...

un amour de jeunesse

YouTube: Goodbye First love, official trailer

 

I am no film critic, so am not about to dissect the film I watched last night. I would however recommend you get your hands on Mia Hansen-Løve's Un Amour de Jeunesse (Goodbye, First Love), for an evening of light and stylish viewing. Lola Créton's character, Camille, portrays a true style icon in the making. Check out her look for some great low-maintence, dressed down, Gallic flair. And it only gets better as the film progresses, along with her career. And if you enjoy this, I would suggest you follow-up with the excellent, Le pere de mes enfants (The Father of My Children), by the same director.

Image via deperdedor.wordpress.com

Image via worldcinema.org

 

Image via moviereviewwarehouse.wordpress.com

Image via screenload.eu

Image via screenload.eu